In Their Own Words: Adults' Lived Experiences With Intermittent Catheterization

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q)

Background

The intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire (ISC-Q) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who engage in ISC. The aim of this research is to culturally adapt the ISC-Q and evaluate its psychometric properties within the Chinese patient population.

Methods

The cross-sectional research was meticulously conducted in two pivotal stages: initially, the focus was on cross-cultural adaptation, followed by an extensive phase of psychometric testing. This comprehensive analysis involved 405 Chinese patients with NLUTD who use ISC. Various analyses, including evaluations of the floor and ceiling effects, item analysis, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), assessments of convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Additionally, Cronbach's alpha was utilized to determine internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

No floor and ceiling effects were observed. The content validity index was 0.967. The EFA identified four factors, accounting for 64.953% of the total variance, and this four-factor structure was confirmed by the CFA. The fit indices in CFA were favorable, with χ2/df = 1.999, root mean square error of approximation = 0.070, comparative fit index = 0.916, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.900, goodness-of-fit index = 0.863, and incremental fit index = 0.917. The average variance extracted for the four factors ranged from 0.466 to 0.565, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.776 to 0.859. The ISC-Q showed a positive correlation with the intermittent self-catheterization acceptance questionnaire (r = 0.557, P < 0.001). The ICC overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.821, and the for test-retest reliability was 0.951 (95% CI [0.900-0.976] P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the ISC-Q have been verified, making it suitable for measuring the QOL in NLUTD patients who practice ISC.

Exploring the lived experience of Arab male patients on intermittent catheterization after spinal cord injury: A phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

Intermittent catheterization (IC) has been identified as one of the critical techniques used by spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to cope with emptying the bladder, despite several problems impeding this procedure.

AIM

The study aimed accordingly to explore the lived experience of Arab male patients on IC after their SCI.

DESIGN

This study was carried out by using a descriptive qualitative approach with a phenomenological analysis of data.

METHODS

A qualitative study was carried out on 10 Arab male patients from the Rehabilitation Hospital at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who were utilizing intermittent catheters following SCI. The interviews were analysed using Husserl's phenomenology and the Colaizzi method of data analysis.

RESULTS

Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified from exploring the patients experience. These themes are as follows: Theme 1: The Way to IC; with two sub-themes: (i) 'service provided and acceptance' and (ii) 'educational experience'; Theme 2: Lifestyle and self-adaptation; with four sub-themes: (i) 'Flexibility and freedom', (ii) 'Physical access to the community', (iii) 'Traveling' and (iv) 'Work and Social life balance'.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that using an intermittent catheter among patients with SCI influenced almost all aspects of the participant's life, including their social lives and body image appearance.

Reduction in lower urinary tract mucosal microtrauma as an effect of reducing eyelet sizes of intermittent urinary catheters

Intermittent catheterization (IC) utilizing conventional eyelets catheters (CECs) for bladder drainage has long been the standard of care. However, when the tissue of the lower urinary tract comes in close proximity to the eyelets, mucosal suction often occurs, resulting in microtrauma. This study investigates the impact of replacing conventional eyelets with a drainage zone featuring multiple micro-holes, distributing pressure over a larger area. Lower pressures limit the suction of surrounding tissue into these micro-holes, significantly reducing tissue microtrauma. Using an ex vivo model replicating the intra-abdominal pressure conditions of the bladder, the intra-catheter pressure was measured during drainage. When mucosal suction occurred, intra-catheter images were recorded. Subsequently affected tissue samples were investigated histologically. The negative pressure peaks caused by mucosal suction were found to be very high for the CECs, leading to exfoliation of the bladder urothelium and breakage of the urothelial barrier. However, a micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) with a multi-eyelet drainage zone showed significantly lower pressure peaks, with over 4 times lower peak intensity, thus inducing far less extensive microtraumas. Limiting or even eliminating mucosal suction and resulting tissue microtrauma may contribute to safer catheterizations in vivo and increased patient comfort and compliance.

The temporal burden of preparing catheters for re-use in adults with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional OBJECTIVES: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Although single-use clean intermittent catheterization is recommended to facilitate routine bladder emptying, catheter re-use is common. Barriers associated with the preparation (i.e., cleaning) of catheters for re-use are unknown. This study examined barriers to catheter re-use in adult individuals with SCI by assessing (1) the time needed to clean a catheter, and (2) the perceived difficulty of the catheter cleaning routine.

SETTING

Laboratory METHODS: Twenty individuals with chronic SCI ( ≥ 1 year since injury; Group 1 = 10 with tetraplegia; Group 2 = 10 with paraplegia) completed the study. Using a standardized cleaning procedure (i.e., Milton method), catheter cleaning was timed for each participant. Perceived difficulty was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Functional impairment was assessed with the Upper Extremity Motor Score (UEMS).

RESULTS

Significant between-group differences were observed for total cleaning time (Group 1 = 1584.1 ± 179.8 s; Group 2 = 1321.0 ± 93.8 s, p = 0.004) and perceived difficulty [Group 1 = 2.6 (2, 3); Group 2 = 2 (1.7, 2.3), p = 0.028]. Total cleaning time was significantly correlated with UEMS (ρ = -0.709, p ≤ 0.001) and perceived difficulty (ρ = 0.468, p = 0.037). UEMS emerged as an independent predictor of total cleaning time (R2 = 0.745, β = -0.833, p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preparing catheters for re-use is time-intensive and difficult for people with higher SCI level, severity and more pronounced upper limb motor impairment, which was independently associated with total cleaning time. Performing this routine on a consistent basis would require a substantial time commitment and would have a profoundly negative impact on overall quality of life.

Evolution of Quality of Life and Treatment Adherence after One Year of Intermittent Bladder Catheterisation in Functional Urology Unit Patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine patient difficulties and concerns when performing IBC (Intermittent Bladder Catheterisation), as well as the evolution of adherence, quality of life, and emotional state of patients one year after starting IBC.

METHOD

A prospective, observational, multicentre study conducted in 20 Spanish hospitals with a one-year follow-up. Data sources were patient records and the King's Health Questionnaire on quality of life, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Perceived adherence was measured using the ICAS (Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Scale) and perceived difficulties with IBC were assessed using the ICDQ (Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire). For data analysis, descriptive and bivariate statistics were performed for paired data at three points in time (T1: one month, T2: three months, T3: one year).

RESULTS

A total of 134 subjects initially participated in the study (T0), becoming 104 subjects at T1, 91 at T2, and 88 at T3, with a mean age of 39 years (standard deviation = 22.16 years). Actual IBC adherence ranged from 84.8% at T1 to 84.1% at T3. After one year of follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in all dimensions with the exception of personal relationships. However, there were no changes in the levels of anxiety (p = 0.190) or depression (p = 0.682) at T3 compared to T0.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients requiring IBC exhibit good treatment adherence, with a significant proportion of them performing self-catheterisation. After one year of IBC, a significant improvement in quality of life was noted, albeit with a significant impact on their daily lives and their personal and social relationships. Patient support programmes could be implemented to improve their ability to cope with difficulties and thus enhance both their quality of life and the maintenance of their adherence.

UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users: a way to include user perspectives and enhance quality of UTI management

BACKGROUND

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most severe complications for users of intermittent catheterisation (IC), with numerous risk factors contributing to their occurrence. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess UTI risk factors among IC users in a systematic way that considers the perspective of the individual user.

METHODS

The Design Thinking Process was used to guide the development of the content and format of the tool. The UTI Risk Factors model by Kennelly et al. was used as a basis for developing the content. Insights on the appropriate content and format were collected via the Coloplast Nurse Advisory Boards and by conducting a qualitative evidence synthesis on user perspectives and practices in relation to UTIs.

RESULTS

The literature search identified a total of 3544 articles, out of which 22 met the inclusion criteria. Additionally, three rounds of meetings were conducted with approximately 90 nurses from the Nurse Advisory Boards across Europe. The qualitative evidence synthesis showed that users describe their UTI symptoms in different terms and that personal needs and priorities impact their adherence and catheter selection. Furthermore, some users lack relevant and updated knowledge about IC and UTIs. The nurses described that correct UTI diagnosis is essential. They pointed that they would assess the user's general condition, adherence, technique, and catheter type as potential areas of risk factors and emphasised the importance of adequate support for users. The study resulted in the development of the UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users, which comprises three elements: a guide for healthcare professionals, a dialogue board, and a notepad. The tool starts with a confirmation of the UTI incidence, and then assesses risk factors via questions on health, adherence, technique, and catheter, and concludes with a support section.

CONCLUSIONS

The UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users is designed to help healthcare professionals assess UTI risk factors in a systematic way, while engaging users and taking their perspective into account. By identifying the relevant risk factors, the use of this tool has the potential to reduce the occurrence of UTIs for the individual IC user.

Quality of Life and Autonomy in Patients with Intermittent Bladder Catheterization Trained by Specialized Nurses

Intermittent bladder catheterization (IBC) involves regular urine draining using a catheter, which is removed immediately after urinary elimination. It allows for the patient's urological health to be managed and their renal function to be preserved, and it promotes autonomy. Compliance with the prescribed number of daily catheterizations, which must be conducted by the patient, and infection prevention measures are crucial. To identify the patients requiring IBC, and to determine their adherence (whether they followed the prescribed guidelines and their difficulty in carrying out the procedure, as well as to assess how the IBC influences their quality of life and state of mind after receiving self-care training from a specialized nurse), we carried out a prospective, multicenter observational study in 24 Spanish hospitals with one month of monitoring and a sample of 99 patients. The sources of information were the patients' clinical records, the King's Health Questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to analyses the paired data. After recruitment (n = 99), 79 patients completed the questionnaire at a mean age of 35.2 years (SD = 20.5 years). In total, 53.5% (53) of the sample consisted of men and 32.3% (32) had neurological damage as the reason for prescription; 67% (67.7) performed self-catheterization and 86.7% adhered to the IBC. After one month of monitoring, a statistically significant improvement in quality of life was observed in all criteria, with the exception of personal relationships (p < 0.005), as well as an improvement in anxiety and depression levels (p < 0.001). Patients who require IBC show good adherence to the IBC with a significant percentage of self-catheterization. After one month of IBC, a significant improvement in the patients' quality of life and mood was observed. These results could be attributed to adequate patient training and adequate personalization of the IBC materials by the specialized nurses.